U.S. patent application number 12/205099 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for systems and/or devices for providing an isolated analog output or analog input.
This patent application is currently assigned to Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven Perry Parfitt.
Application Number | 20090079612 12/205099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40029173 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090079612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parfitt; Steven Perry |
March 26, 2009 |
Systems and/or Devices for Providing an Isolated Analog Output or
Analog Input
Abstract
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can
comprise transmitting a recovered analog input signal to a
programmable logic controller. The recovered analog input signal
can be converted, on a downstream side of an isolation device, from
a converted signal. The recovered analog input signal can have a
voltage value that varies according to a frequency value of the
converted signal.
Inventors: |
Parfitt; Steven Perry;
(Johnson City, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIEMENS CORPORATION;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
170 WOOD AVENUE SOUTH
ISELIN
NJ
08830
US
|
Assignee: |
Siemens Energy & Automation,
Inc.
Alpharetta
GA
|
Family ID: |
40029173 |
Appl. No.: |
12/205099 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60994748 |
Sep 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
60994747 |
Sep 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
341/157 ;
250/551 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 2219/25461
20130101; G05B 19/054 20130101; G05B 2219/1182 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/157 ;
250/551 |
International
Class: |
H03M 1/60 20060101
H03M001/60; G02B 27/00 20060101 G02B027/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a voltage-to-frequency converter adapted
to: receive an analog input signal that represents a
sensor-detected physical property; convert said analog input signal
to a converted signal having a constant voltage and a frequency
value that varies according to a voltage value of said analog input
signal; and transmit said converted signal across an isolation
device; and a frequency-to-voltage converter adapted to: receive
said converted signal; convert said converted signal to a recovered
analog input signal having a voltage value that varies according to
said frequency value of said converted signal; and transmit said
recovered analog input signal to a programmable logic
controller.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: a programmable logic controller
adapted to process said recovered analog input signal to obtain an
input value for said sensor-detected physical property.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein: an analog input module adapted
to convert said recovered analog input signal to a digital input
signal.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein a programmable logic controller
adapted to process a digital signal, said digital signal encoding
an input value obtained from said recovered analog input signal,
said input value corresponding to said sensor-detected physical
property.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein: a human machine interface
adapted to render an input value corresponding to said
sensor-detected physical property.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein: said isolation device is an
opto-isolator.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein: said isolation device is a
transformer.
8. A system comprising: a voltage-to-frequency converter adapted
to: receive an analog output signal adapted to control an actuator:
convert said analog output signal to a converted signal having a
constant voltage and a frequency value that varies according to a
voltage value of said analog output signal; transmit said converted
signal across an isolation device; and a frequency-to-voltage
converter adapted to: receive said converted signal; convert said
converted signal to a recovered analog output signal having a
voltage value that varies according to said frequency value of said
converted signal; and transmit said analog output signal to said
actuator.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a programmable logic
controller adapted to create said analog output signal.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising: an output module
adapted to create said analog output signal.
11. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a programmable logic
controller adapted to provide an analog output value corresponding
to said analog output signal to a human machine interface.
12. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a human machine
interface adapted to render an analog output value corresponding to
said analog output signal.
13. The system of claim 8, further comprising: said isolation
device is an opto-isolator.
14. The system of claim 8, further comprising: said isolation
device is a transformer.
15. A method comprising: receiving an analog input signal that
represents a sensor-detected physical property; converting said
analog input signal to a converted signal having a constant voltage
and a frequency value that varies according to a voltage value of
said analog input signal; transmitting said converted signal across
an isolation device; on a downstream side of said isolation device,
converting said converted signal to a recovered analog input signal
having a voltage value that varies according to said frequency
value of said converted signal; and transmitting said recovered
analog input signal to a programmable logic controller.
16. A method comprising: transmitting a recovered analog input
signal to a programmable logic controller, a converted signal, on a
downstream side of an isolation device, converted to said recovered
analog input signal, said recovered analog input signal having a
voltage value that varies according to a frequency value of said
converted signal, said converted signal transmitted across said
isolation device, an analog input signal converted to said
converted signal having a constant voltage and a frequency value
that varies according to a voltage value of said analog input
signal, said analog input signal representative of a
sensor-detected physical property.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by
reference herein in its entirety, pending United States Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/994,748 (Attorney Docket No.
2007P18120US (1009-300)), filed 21 Sep. 2007; and pending United
States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/994,747 (Attorney
Docket No. 2007P20438US (1009-332)), filed 21 Sep. 2007.
BACKGROUND
[0002] United States Patent Publication 20070173960 (Kumar), which
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, allegedly
discloses a "compact lower cost programmable logic controller with
modular I/O is described. SPI bus is used for accessing multi-byte
data from I/O modules, while 8 bit data bus is used to access
single byte data from I/O modules. Compact I/O modules with use
with the PLC are described. The include short circuit proof DC
output modules, Relay output with built-in electromagnetic shield,
analog modules with laser trimmed resistors, and high speed counter
modules." See Abstract.
[0003] United States Pat. No. 6,536,029 (Boggs), which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, allegedly
discloses a "programmable logic controller with enhanced and
extended the capabilities. A digital input filter implement filters
with considerable less logic by simulating the action of a
capacitor being driven by a constant current source whose output
voltage is sensed by a comparator with a large amount of
hysterisis. A pulse catch circuit captures the input pulse even
though the update occurs between scan cycles. A pulse output
controller includes a hardware pipeline mechanism to allow for
smooth, hardware-controlled transitions from wave-form to
wave-form. A free port link allows the user to control the port
either manually or by operation of a user program. In order to
provide higher performance for communication using PPI protocol,
the PLC includes a built-in protocol. A n-bit modem protocol
ensures data integrity without use of a parity type data integrity
system. A hide instruction protects proprietary software by
encrypting the sensitive code and decrypting the code during
compilation and, thereafter, re-encrypting the code. A system
function call allows the user to create and/or download new PLC
functions and implement them as PLC operating system functions. An
STL status function debugs programs during run-time and while the
program is executing. A micro PLC arrangement provides compact size
and efficiency." See Abstract.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which
can comprise transmitting a recovered analog input signal to a
programmable logic controller. The recovered analog input signal
can be converted, on a downstream side of an isolation device, from
a converted signal. The recovered analog input signal can have a
voltage value that varies according to a frequency value of the
converted signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments
will be more readily understood through the following detailed
description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the
accompanying exemplary drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system
1000;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
2000; and
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an
information device 3000.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which
can comprise transmitting a recovered analog signal to a
programmable logic controller. The recovered analog signal can be
converted, on a downstream side of an isolation device, from a
converted signal. The recovered analog signal can have a voltage
value that varies according to a frequency value of the converted
signal.
[0010] The processing of analog signals in isolated systems, such
as certain programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, can utilize
an Analog Output Device (D/A Converter) or Analog Input Device (A/D
Converter) that can be located on the opposite side of an isolation
boundary from a processing element. Such embodiments can utilize
multiple isolation channels to handle clock, Data, and possibly
control signals to and from the AID or D/A converter(s).
[0011] Certain exemplary embodiments can reduce a count of
isolation devices utilized for analog input and analog output with
isolation. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide method for
reducing a count of signals that pass through isolation devices by
converting the analog signal into a voltage dependent frequency
which can be passed across a single isolation device.
[0012] The analog input from an external device to be monitored can
be fed to a Voltage to Frequency (V/F) Converter. The electrical
signal from the V/F Converter can be then sent through a single
isolation device. The electrical signal can be fed to the input of
a Frequency to Voltage (F/V) converter and/or converted back into
an analog signal which can be available for the processing
element.
[0013] Likewise an analog output signal generated at the processing
element can be sent through a V/F converter, passed through an
isolation device, and fed to an F/V converter to convert the output
signal back to an analog signal to be outputted to control the
external devices.
[0014] The isolation element can be an Opto-Isolator, transformer,
or any other suitable isolation element with sufficient bandwidth
for the frequencies involved.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system 1000, which can comprise a programmable logic controller
1100. In certain exemplary embodiments, programmable logic
controller 1100 can be communicatively coupled to any desired
number of Input/Output modules, such as Input module 1200 and
output module 1300. Input module 1200 can be communicatively
coupled to any desired number of sensors, such as sensor 1280.
Output module 1300 can be communicatively coupled to any desired
number of actuators, such as actuator 1380. Input module 1200 and
output module 1300 are exemplary modules described herein for
illustrative purposes. In certain exemplary embodiments, input
module functions and output module functions can be performed via
one or more I/O modules that integrate functions performed by input
module 1200 and/or output module 1300.
[0016] In certain exemplary embodiments, programmable logic
controller 1100 can be communicatively coupled to sensor 1280 via
input module 1200, a first converter 1220, a first isolation device
1240, and a second converter 1260. In certain exemplary
embodiments, programmable logic controller 1100 can be
communicatively coupled to actuator 1380 via output module 1300, a
third converter 1320, a second isolation device 1340, and a fourth
converter 1360. First isolation device 1240 and/or second isolation
device 1340 can be opto-isolators and/or transformers. Each of
first converter 1220 and fourth converter 1360 can be a
frequency-to-voltage converter. Each of second converter 1260 and
third converter 1320 can be a voltage-to-frequency converter.
[0017] In certain exemplary embodiments, second converter 1260 can
be adapted to: [0018] receive an analog input signal that
represents a sensor-detected physical property; [0019] convert the
analog input signal to a converted signal having a constant voltage
and a frequency value that varies according to a voltage value of
the analog input signal; and/or [0020] transmit the converted
signal across first isolation device 1240.
[0021] In certain exemplary embodiments, first converter 1220 can
be adapted to: [0022] receive the converted signal via first
isolation device 1240; [0023] convert the converted signal to a
recovered analog input signal having a constant frequency and/or a
voltage value that varies according to the frequency value of the
converted signal; and/or [0024] transmit the recovered analog input
signal to programmable logic controller 1100 via input module
1200.
[0025] In certain exemplary embodiments, third converter 1320 can
be adapted to: [0026] receive an analog output signal adapted to
control an actuator via output module 1300; [0027] convert the
converted signal to a recovered analog output signal having a
constant frequency and/or a voltage value that varies according to
the frequency value of the converted signal; and/or [0028] transmit
the converted signal across second isolation device 1340.
[0029] In certain exemplary embodiments, fourth converter 1360 can
be adapted to: [0030] receive the converted signal via second
isolation device 1340; [0031] convert the converted signal to a
recovered analog input signal having a constant frequency and/or a
voltage value that varies according to the frequency value of the
converted signal; and/or [0032] transmit the analog output signal
to actuator 1380.
[0033] Programmable logic controller 1100 can be adapted to process
the recovered analog input signal to obtain an input value for the
sensor-detected physical property. Programmable logic controller
1100 can be adapted to create the analog output signal. In certain
exemplary embodiments, output module 1300 can he adapted to create
the analog output signal. In certain exemplary embodiments,
programmable logic controller 1100 can be adapted to process a
digital signal. The digital signal can encode an input value
obtained from the recovered analog input signal. The input value
can correspond to the sensor-detected physical property.
Programmable logic controller 1100 can comprise a human machine
interface 1120 adapted to: [0034] render an input value
corresponding to the sensor-detected physical property and/or
[0035] render an analog output value corresponding to the analog
output signal.
[0036] Programmable logic controller 1100 can be communicatively
coupled to an information device 1500 via a network 1400.
Information device 1500 can comprise and/or be communicatively
coupled to a user interface 1520, a user program 1540, and a memory
1560. User program 1540 can be adapted to monitor and/or control
one or more activities associated with programmable logic
controller 1100 such as information transfers between programmable
logic controller 1100 and input module 1200 and/or information
transfers between programmable logic controller 1100 and output
module 1300. In certain exemplary embodiments, user program 1540
can be used to create, edit, compile, and/or transmit a control
program adapted to cause programmable logic controller 1100 to
receive information from sensor 1280 and/or control actuator 1380
in hard real time. User interface 1520 can be adapted to render
information regarding programmable logic controller 1100 such as
control program information and/or information transfers between
programmable logic controller 1100 and input module 1200 and/or
output module 1300. Memory 1560 can be adapted to store and/or
retrieve information regarding programmable logic controller
1100.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
2000. One or more activities of method 2000 can be performed
automatically. For example, one or more activities of method 2000
can be performed via machine-implementable instructions stored on a
machine-readable medium. At activity 2100, an analog signal can be
received. In certain exemplary embodiments, the analog signal can
be received from a sensor, such as via an Input/Output module. The
analog signal can be an analog input signal that represents a
sensor-detected physical property. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the analog signal can be an analog output signal
adapted to control an actuator. In embodiments wherein the analog
output signal is adapted to control an actuator, the analog output
signal can be created, such as via a programmable logic
controller.
[0038] At activity 2200, the analog signal can be converted to a
frequency signal. The frequency signal can be a converted signal
having a constant voltage and a frequency value that varies
according to a voltage value of the analog signal.
[0039] At activity 2300, the frequency signal can be transmitted
across an isolation device. The isolation device can be an
opto-isolator and/or a transformer.
[0040] At activity 2400, on a downstream side of the isolation
device, the frequency signal can be converted to a recovered
signal. The recovered signal can be a recovered analog signal
having a constant frequency and/or a voltage value that varies
according to a the frequency value of the converted signal
[0041] At activity 2500, the recovered signal can be transmitted.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the recovered signal can be
transmitted to the programmable logic controller. In certain
exemplary embodiments, the recovered signal can be transmitted to
an actuator.
[0042] At activity 2600, the programmable logic controller can
process the recovered signal. For example, the recovered analog
input signal can be processed to obtain an analog input value for a
sensor-detected physical property. Certain exemplary embodiments
can be adapted to render an analog input value corresponding to the
sensor-detected physical property at a human machine interface
coupled to the programmable logic controller. Certain exemplary
embodiments can be adapted to render an analog output value
corresponding to the analog output signal at the human machine
interface coupled to the programmable logic controller.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an
information device 3000, which in certain operative embodiments can
comprise, for example, information device 1500 of FIG. 1.
Information device 3000 can comprise any of numerous circuits
and/or components, such as for example, one or more network
interfaces 3100, one or more processors 3200, one or more memories
3300 containing instructions 3400, one or more input/output (I/O)
devices 3500, and/or one or more user interfaces 3600 coupled to
I/O device 3500, etc.
[0044] In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user
interfaces 3600, such as a graphical user interface, a user can
view a rendering of information related to researching, designing,
modeling, creating, developing, building, manufacturing, operating,
maintaining, storing, marketing, selling, delivering, selecting,
specifying, requesting, ordering, receiving, returning, rating,
and/or recommending any of the products, services, methods, and/or
information described herein.
Definitions
[0045] When the following terms are used substantively herein, the
accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are
presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application,
the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this
application or any application claiming priority hereto is
reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent
that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if
an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that
patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the
subject matter outside of that definition. [0046] a--at least one.
[0047] according--to conform and/or be in accord with. [0048]
across--from one side to an opposing side. [0049] activity--an
action, act, deed, function, step, and/or process and/or a portion
thereof. [0050] actuator--a device that converts, translates,
and/or interprets signals (e.g., electrical, optical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, etc.) to cause a physical and/or humanly perceptible
action and/or output, such as a motion (e.g., rotation of a motor
shaft, vibration, position of a valve, position of a solenoid,
position of a switch, and/or position of a relay, etc.), audible
sound (e.g., horn, bell, and/or alarm, etc.), and/or visible
rendering (e.g., indicator light, non-numerical display, and/or
numerical display, etc). [0051] adapted to--suitable, fit, and/or
capable of performing a specified function. [0052] adapter--a
device used to effect operative compatibility between different
parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system. [0053]
analog--a signal formed from continuous measurement and/or input.
[0054] apparatus--an appliance and/or device for a particular
purpose. [0055] associate--to relate, bring together in a
relationship, map, combine, join, and/or connect. [0056]
automatically--acting and/or operating in a manner essentially
independent of external human influence and/or control. For
example, an automatic light switch can turn on upon "seeing" a
person in its view, without the person manually operating the light
switch. [0057] can--is capable of, in at least some embodiments.
[0058] cause--to bring about, provoke, precipitate, produce,
elicit, be the reason for, result in, and/or effect. [0059]
circuit--an electrically conductive pathway and/or a communications
connection established across two or more switching devices
comprised by a network and between corresponding end systems
connected to, but not comprised by the network. [0060]
comprising--including but not limited to, what follows. [0061]
configure--to design, arrange, set up, shape, and/or make suitable
and/or fit for a specific purpose. [0062] connect--physically or
logically join, link, couple, and/or fasten two or more entities.
[0063] constant--continually occurring; persistent; and/or
unchanging. [0064] control--(n) a mechanical or electronic device
used to operate a machine within predetermined limits; (v) to
exercise authoritative and/or dominating influence over, cause to
act in a predetermined manner, direct, adjust to a requirement,
and/or regulate. [0065] convert--to transform, adapt, and/or
change, such as from a first form to a second form. [0066]
converter--a device that transforms. [0067] corresponding--related,
associated, accompanying, similar in purpose and/or position,
conforming in every respect, and/or equivalent and/or agreeing in
amount, quantity, magnitude, quality, and/or degree. [0068]
coupleable--capable of being joined, connected, and/or linked
together. [0069] create--to make, form, produce, generate, bring
into being, and/or cause to exist. [0070] data structure--an
organization of a collection of data that allows the data to be
manipulated effectively and/or a logical relationship among data
elements that is designed to support specific data manipulation
functions. A data structure can comprise meta data to describe the
properties of the data structure. Examples of data structures can
include: array, dictionary, graph, hash, heap, linked list, matrix,
object, queue, ring, stack, tree, and/or vector. [0071] deadline--a
time interval during which an activity's completion has more
utility to a system, and after which the activity's completion has
less utility. Such a time interval might be constrained only by an
upper-bound, or it might be constrained by both upper and lower
bounds. [0072] define--to establish the meaning, relationship,
outline, form, and/or structure of; and/or to precisely and/or
distinctly describe and/or specify. [0073] detect--to sense,
perceive, identify, discover, ascertain respond to, and/or receive
the existence, presence, and/or fact of. [0074] determine--to
obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, establish, and/or ascertain.
[0075] device--an instrumentality adapted to a particular purpose.
[0076] digital--non-analog; discrete. [0077] downstream--with
and/or in a direction of flow of an electrical current. [0078]
encoding--the process of transforming a linear digital information
stream into another digital data stream, such as for the purpose of
maximizing information content as desired for a particular
application, while minimizing the information rate (bandwidth)
(e.g., G.711, G.722, G.728, etc). [0079] estimate--to calculate
and/or determine approximately and/or tentatively. [0080]
frequency--the number of times a specified periodic phenomenon
occurs within a specified interval. [0081] from--used to indicate a
source. [0082] further--in addition. [0083] generate--to create,
produce, render, give rise to, and/or bring into existence. [0084]
haptic--both the human sense of kinesthetic movement and the human
sense of touch. Among the many potential haptic experiences are
numerous sensations, body-positional differences in sensations, and
time-based changes in sensations that are perceived at least
partially in non-visual, non-audible, and non-olfactory manners,
including the experiences of tactile touch (being touched), active
touch, grasping, pressure, friction, traction, slip, stretch,
force, torque, impact, puncture, vibration, motion, acceleration,
jerk, pulse, orientation, limb position, gravity, texture, gap,
recess, viscosity, pain, itch, moisture, temperature, thermal
conductivity, and thermal capacity. [0085] hard deadline--the
special case where completing an activity within the deadline
results in the system receiving all the utility possible from that
activity, and completing the activity outside of the deadline
results in zero utility (i.e., resources consumed by the activity
were wasted, such as when one travels to the beach to photograph a
sunrise on a particular day and arrives after the sun has already
arisen) or some negative value of utility (i.e., the activity was
counter-productive, such as when firefighters enter a burning
building to search for a missing person seconds before the building
collapses, resulting in injury or death to the firefighters). The
scheduling criterion for a hard deadline is to always meet the hard
deadline, even if it means changing the activity to do so. [0086]
hard real-time--relating to computer systems that provide an
absolute deterministic response to an event. Such a response is not
based on average event time. Instead, in such computer systems, the
deadlines are fixed and the system must guarantee a response within
a fixed and well-defined time. Systems operating in hard real-time
typically interact at a low level with physical hardware via
embedded systems, and can suffer a critical failure if time
constraints are violated. A classic example of a hard real-time
computing system is the anti-lock brakes on a car. The hard
real-time constraint, or deadline, in this system is the time in
which the brakes must be released to prevent the wheel from
locking. Another example is a car engine control system, in which a
delayed control signal might cause engine failure or damage. Other
examples of hard real-time embedded systems include medical systems
such as heat pacemakers and industrial process controllers. [0087]
Human Machine Interface--hardware and/or software adapted to render
information to a user and/or receive information from the user.
[0088] information--facts, terms, concepts, phrases, expressions,
commands, numbers, characters, and or symbols, etc., that are
related to a subject. Sometimes used synonymously with data, and
sometimes used to describe organized, transformed, and/or processed
data. It is generally possible to automate certain activities
involving the management, organization, storage, transformation,
communication, and/or presentation of information. [0089]
information device--any device on which resides a finite state
machine capable of implementing at least a portion of a method,
structure, and/or or graphical user interface described herein. An
information device can comprise well-known communicatively coupled
components, such as one or more network interfaces, one or more
processors, one or more memories containing instructions, one or
more input/output (I/O) devices, and/or one or more user interfaces
(e.g., coupled to an I/O device) via which information can be
rendered to implement one or more functions described herein. For
example, an information device can be any general purpose and/or
special purpose computer, such as a personal computer, video game
system (e.g., PlayStation, Nintendo Gameboy, X-Box, etc.),
workstation, server, minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer,
computer terminal, laptop, wearable computer, and/or Personal
Digital Assistant (PDA), iPod, mobile terminal, Bluetooth device,
communicator, "smart" phone (such as a Treo-like device), messaging
service (e.g., Blackberry) receiver, pager, facsimile, cellular
telephone, a traditional telephone, telephonic device, a programmed
microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral integrated
circuit elements, a digital signal processor, an ASIC or other
integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic circuit such as a
discrete element circuit, and/or a programmable logic device such
as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or the like, etc. [0090]
initialize--to create, produce, render, give rise to, and/or bring
into existence. [0091] input--a signal, data, and/or information
provided to a processor, device, and/or system. [0092] Input/Output
(I/O) device--an input/output (I/O) device of an information device
can be any sensory-oriented input and/or output device, such as an
audio, visual, haptic, olfactory, and/or taste-oriented device,
including, for example, a monitor, display, projector, overhead
display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad,
wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, microphone, speaker,
video camera, camera, scanner, printer, haptic device, vibrator,
tactile simulator, and/or tactile pad, potentially including a port
to which an I/O device can be attached or connected. [0093]
Input/Output module--a device and/or system adapted to receive
and/or forward information between a programmable logic controller
(PLC) and a predetermined set of sensors and/or actuators. [0094]
install--to connect and/or place in position and prepare for use.
[0095] interface--(n) a boundary across which two independent
systems meet and act on and/or communicate with each other. (v) to
connect with and/or interact with by way of an interface. [0096]
isolation device--a device adapted to transfer a signal between a
first element and a second element of a circuit, the device adapted
to substantially electrically isolate the first element from the
second element such that electrical continuity along a path between
the first element and the second elements is substantially broken.
[0097] machine-implementable instructions--directions adapted to
cause a machine, such as an information device, to perform one or
more particular activities, operations, and/or functions. The
directions, which can sometimes form an entity called a
"processor", "kernel", "operating system", "program",
"application", "utility", "subroutine", "script", "macro", "file",
"project", "module", "library", "class", and/or "object", etc., can
be embodied as machine code, source code, object code, compiled
code, assembled code, interpretable code, and/or executable code,
etc., in hardware, firmware, and/or software. [0098]
machine-readable medium--a physical structure from which a machine,
such as an information device, computer, microprocessor, and/or
controller, etc., can obtain and/or store data, information, and/or
instructions. Examples include memories, punch cards, and/or
optically-readable forms, etc. [0099] may--is allowed and/or
permitted to, in at least some embodiments. [0100] memory
device--an apparatus capable of storing analog or digital
information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples include a
non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access Memory, RAM,
Read Only Memory, ROM, flash memory, magnetic media, a hard disk, a
floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical media, an optical disk, a
compact disk, a CD, a digital versatile disk, a DVD, and/or a raid
array, etc. The memory device can be coupled to a processor and/or
can store instructions adapted to be executed by processor, such as
according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [0101] method--a
process, procedure, and/or collection of related activities for
accomplishing something [0102] module--a set of instructions for
operating a processor. [0103] network--a communicatively coupled
plurality of nodes, communication devices, and or information
devices. Via a network, such devices can be linked, such as via
various wireline and/or wireless media, such as cables telephone
lines, power lines, optical fibers, radio waves, and/or light
beams, etc., to share resources (such as printers and/or memory
devices), exchange files, and/or allow electronic communications
therebetween. A network can be and/or can utilize any of a wide
variety of sub-networks and/or protocols, such as a circuit
switched, public-switched, packet switched, connection-less,
wireless, virtual, radio, data, telephone, twisted pair, POTS,
non-POTS, DSL, cellular, telecommunications, video distribution,
cable, terrestrial, microwave, broadcast, satellite, broadband,
corporate, global, national, regional, wide area, backbone,
packet-switched TCP/IP, IEEE 802.03, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token
Ring, local area, wide area, IP, public Internet, intranet,
private, ATM, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, Airport,
IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, X-10,
electrical power, multi-domain, and/or multi-zone sub-network
and/or protocol, one or more Internet service providers, and/or one
or more information devices, such as a switch, router, and/or
gateway not directly connected to a local area network, etc.,
and/or any equivalents thereof, [0104] network interface--any
physical and/or logical device, system, and/or process capable of
coupling an information device to a network. Exemplary network
interfaces comprise a telephone, cellular phone, cellular modem,
telephone data modem, fax modem, wireless transceiver, Ethernet
card, cable modern, digital subscriber line interface, bridge, hub,
router, or other similar device, software to manage such a device,
and/or software to provide a function of such a device.
[0105] obtain--to receive, get, take possession of, procure,
acquire, calculate, determine, and/or compute. [0106]
opto-isolator--a device that uses an optical transmission path to
transfer a signal between a first element and a second element of a
circuit, the device adapted to substantially electrically isolate
the first element from the second element since the signal goes
from an electrical signal to an optical signal back to an
electrical signal such that electrical continuity along a path
between the first element and the second elements is substantially
broken. [0107] output--(n.) something produced and/or generated;
data produced by an information device executing machine-readable
instructions; and/or the energy, power, work, signal, and/or
information produced by a system; (v.) to provide, produce,
manufacture, and/or generate. [0108] packet--a generic term for a
bundle of data organized in a specific way for transmission, such
as within and/or across a network, such as a digital
packet-switching network, and comprising the data to be transmitted
and certain control information, such as a destination address.
[0109] physical property--tangible, real, and/or actual
characteristic. [0110] plurality--the state of being plural and/or
more than one. [0111] predetermined--determine, decide, or
establish in advance. [0112] process--(n.) an organized series of
actions, changes, and/or functions adapted to bring about a result.
(v.) to perform mathematical and/or logical operations according to
programmed instructions in order to obtain desired information
and/or to perform actions, changes, and/or functions adapted to
bring about a result. [0113] processor--a hardware, firmware,
and/or software machine and/or virtual machine comprising a set of
machine-readable instructions adaptable to perform a specific task.
A processor can utilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic,
electrical, magnetic, optical, informational, chemical, and/or
biological principles, mechanisms, signals, and/or inputs to
perform the task(s). In certain embodiments, a processor can act
upon information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, and/or
converting it, transmitting the information for use by an
executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or routing
the information to an output device. A processor can function as a
central processing unit, local controller, remote controller,
parallel controller, and/or distributed controller, etc. Unless
stated otherwise, the processor can be a general-purpose device,
such as a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor, such the Pentium
IV series of microprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corporation
of Santa Clara, Calif. In certain embodiments, the processor can be
dedicated purpose device, such as an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
that has been designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware
at least a part of an embodiment disclosed herein. A processor can
reside on and use the capabilities of a controller. [0114]
programmable logic controller (PLC)--a solid-state,
microprocessor-based, hard real-time computing system that is used,
via a network, to automatically monitor the status of
field-connected sensor inputs, and automatically control
communicatively-coupled devices of a controlled industrial system
(e.g., actuators, solenoids, relays, switches, motor starters,
speed drives (e.g., variable frequency drives, silicon-controlled
rectifiers, etc.), pilot lights, igniters, tape drives, speakers,
printers, monitors displays, etc.) according to a user-created set
of values and user-created logic and/or instructions stored in
memory. The sensor inputs reflect measurements and/or status
information related to the controlled industrial system. A PLC
provides any of: automated input/output control; switching;
counting; arithmetic operations; complex data manipulation; logic;
timing; sequencing; communication; data file manipulation; report
generation; control; relay control; motion control; process
control; distributed control; and/or monitoring of processes,
manufacturing equipment, and/or other automation of the controlled
industrial system. Because of its precise and hard real-time timing
and sequencing capabilities, a PLC is programmed using ladder logic
or some form of structured programming language specified in IEC
61131-3, namely, FBD (Function Block Diagram), LD (Ladder Diagram),
ST (Structured Text, Pascal type language), IL (Instruction List)
and/or SFC (Sequential Function Chart). Because of its precise and
real-time timing and sequencing capabilities, a PLC can replace up
to thousands of relays and cam timers. PLC hardware often has good
redundancy and fail-over capabilities. A PLC can use a
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with users for
configuration, alarm reporting, and/or control. [0115] project--to
calculate, estimate, or predict. [0116] provide--to furnish,
supply, give, convey, send, and/or make available. [0117]
real-time--a system (or sub-system) characterized by time
constraints on individual activities and scheduling criteria for
using those time constraints to achieve acceptable system
timeliness with acceptable predictability. [0118] receive--to
gather, take, acquire, obtain, accept, get, and/or have bestowed
upon. [0119] recommend--to suggest, praise, commend, and/or
endorse. [0120] recover--to get back and/or regain. [0121]
render--to display, annunciate, speak print, and/or otherwise make
perceptible to a human, for example as data, commands, text,
graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or hyperlinks, etc., such as
via any visual, audio, and/or haptic mechanism, such as via a
display, monitor, printer, electric paper, ocular implant, cochlear
implant, speaker, etc. [0122] repeatedly--again and again;
repetitively. [0123] represent--to describe and/or symbolize.
[0124] representative--descriptive and or symbolic of. [0125]
request--(v.) to express a need and/or desire for; to inquire
and/or ask for. (n.) that which communicates an expression of
desire and/or that which is asked for. [0126] said--when used in a
system or device claim, an article indicating a subsequent claim
term that has been previously introduced. [0127] select--to make
and/or indicate a choice and/or selection from among alternatives.
[0128] sensor--a device adapted to automatically sense, perceive,
detect, and/or measure a physical property (e.g., pressure,
temperature, flow, mass, heat, light, sound, humidity, proximity,
position, velocity, vibration, loudness, voltage, current,
capacitance, resistance, inductance, and/or electro-magnetic
radiation, etc.) and convert that physical quantity into a signal.
Examples include proximity switches, stain gages, photo sensors,
thermocouples, level indicating devices, speed sensors,
accelerometers, electrical voltage indicators, electrical current
indicators, on/off indicators, and/or flowmeters, etc. [0129]
set--a related plurality of predetermined elements; and/or one or
more distinct items and/or entities having a specific common
property or properties. [0130] side--a surface bounding a solid
object. [0131] signal--information encoded as automatically
detectable variations in a physical variable, such as a pneumatic,
hydraulic, acoustic, fluidic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic,
optical, chemical, and/or biological variable, such as power,
energy, pressure, flowrate, viscosity, density, torque, impact,
force, frequency, phase, voltage, current, resistance,
magnetomotive force, magnetic field intensity, magnetic field flux,
magnetic flux density, reluctance, permeability, index of
refraction, optical wavelength, polarization, reflectance,
transmittance, phase shift, concentration, and/or temperature, etc.
Depending on the context, a signal can be synchronous,
asynchronous, hard real-time, soft real-time, non-real time,
continuously generated, continuously varying analog, discretely
generated, discretely varying, quantized, digital, continuously
measured, and/or discretely measured, etc. [0132] soft
deadline--the general case where completing an activity by a
deadline results in a system receiving a utility measured in terms
of lateness (completion time minus deadline), such that there exist
positive lateness values corresponding to positive utility values
for the system. Lateness can be viewed in terms of tardiness
(positive lateness), or earliness (negative lateness). Generally,
and potentially within certain bounds, larger positive values of
lateness or tardiness represent lower utility, and larger positive
values of earliness represent greater utility. [0133] soft
real-time--relating to computer systems that take a best efforts
approach and minimize latency from event to response as much as
possible while keeping throughput up with external events overall.
Such systems will not suffer a critical failure if time constraints
are violated. For example, live audio-video systems are usually
soft real-time; violation of time constraints can result in
degraded quality, but the system can continue to operate. Another
example is a network server, which is a system for which fast
response is desired but for which there is no deadline. If the
network server is highly loaded, its response time may slow with no
failure in service. This is contrasted with an anti-lock braking
system where a slow down in response would likely cause system
failure, possibly even catastrophic failure. [0134] store--to
place, hold, retain, enter, and/or copy into and/or onto a
machine-readable medium. [0135] substantially--to a considerable,
large, and/or great, but not necessarily whole and/or entire,
extent and/or degree. [0136] support--to bear the weight of,
especially from below. [0137] system--a collection of mechanisms,
devices, machines, articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or
instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more
specific functions. [0138] transformer--a device adaptable to
transfer electric energy from one circuit to another. A transformer
can comprise a pair of multiply wound, inductively coupled wire
coils that effect such a transfer with a change in voltage,
current, phase, and/or other electric characteristic. [0139]
transmit--to provide, furnish, supply, send as a signal, and/or to
convey (e.g., force, energy, and/or information) from one place
and/or thing to another. [0140] user--a person, organization,
process, device, program, protocol, and/or system that uses a
device, system, process, and/or service. [0141] user interface--a
device and/or software program for rendering information to a user
and/or requesting information from the user. A user interface can
include at least one of textual, graphical, audio, video,
animation, and/or haptic elements. A textual element can be
provided, for example, by a printer, monitor, display, projector,
etc. A graphical element can be provided, for example, via a
monitor, display, projector, and/or visual indication device, such
as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An audio element can be provided,
for example, via a speaker, microphone, and/or other sound
generating and/or receiving device. A video element or animation
element can be provided, for example, via a monitor, display,
projector, and/or other visual device. A haptic element can be
provided, for example, via a very low frequency speaker, vibrator,
tactile stimulator, tactile pad, simulator, keyboard, keypad,
mouse, trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel,
pointing device, and/or other haptic device, etc. A user interface
can include one or more textual elements such as, for example, one
or more letters, number, symbols, etc. A user interface can include
one or more graphical elements such as, for example, an image,
photograph, drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab,
drawer, matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view, frame, dialog
box, static text, text box, list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down
list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box, radio button, hyperlink,
browser, button, control, palette, preview panel, color wheel,
dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor, status bar, stepper, and/or
progress indicator, etc. A textual and/or graphical element can be
used for selecting, programming, adjusting, changing, specifying,
etc. an appearance, background color, background style, border
style, border thickness, foreground color, font, font style, font
size, alignment, line spacing, indent, maximum data length,
validation, query, cursor type, pointer type, autosizing, position,
and/or dimension, etc. A user interface can include one or more
audio elements such as, for example, a volume control, pitch
control, speed control, voice selector, and/or one or more elements
for controlling audio play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse,
etc. A user interface can include one or more video elements such
as, for example, elements controlling video play, speed, pause,
fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc.
A user interface can include one or more animation elements such
as, for example, elements controlling animation play, pause, fast
forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color,
intensity, speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface can
include one or more haptic elements such as, for example, elements
utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion,
displacement, temperature, etc. [0142] value--a measured, assigned,
determined, and/or calculated quantity or quality for a variable
and/or parameter. [0143] varies--changes over time. [0144] via--by
way of and/or utilizing. [0145] voltage--(a.k.a., "potential
difference" and "electromotive force" (EMF)) a difference in
electrical potential between any two conductors of an electrical
circuit and/or a quantity, expressed as a signed number of Volts
(V), and measured as a signed difference between two points in an
electrical circuit which, when divided by the resistance in Ohms
between those points, gives the current flowing between those
points in Amperes, according to Ohm's Law. [0146]
voltage-to-frequency converter--a device and/or system adapted to
transform a variable signal having a modulated voltage to a
transformed variable signal having a modulated frequency that is
derived from the modulated voltage of the variable signal. [0147]
weight--a force with which a body is attracted to Earth or another
celestial body, equal to the product of the object's mass and the
acceleration of gravity; and/or a factor assigned to a number in a
computation, such as in determining an average, to make the
number's effect on the computation reflect its importance. [0148]
wherein--in regard to which; and; and/or in addition to.
Note
[0149] Still other substantially and specifically practical and
useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in
this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included
detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary
embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations,
modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and
accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments
are to be regarded as being within the scope of this
application.
[0150] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title,
field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure,
etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the
contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument,
with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any
claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether
originally presented or otherwise: [0151] there is no requirement
for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated
characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular
sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of
elements; [0152] any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or
duplicated; [0153] any activity can be repeated any activity can be
performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be perform
ed in multiple jurisdictions; and [0154] any activity or element
can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary,
and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.
[0155] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein,
unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is
approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly
stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all
subranges therein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described,
that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example,
1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges
therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to
9, etc.
[0156] When any claim element is followed by a drawing element
number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting
on claim scope.
[0157] Any information in any material (e.g., a United States
patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that
has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by
reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such
information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein.
In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would
render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then
any such conflicting information in such material is specifically
not incorporated by reference herein.
[0158] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background,
summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this
application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
* * * * *